Creamy Beef and Shells: A Hearty, Comforting Pasta Dish
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Beef and Shells recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this dish combines tender pasta shells, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to satisfy. Packed with bold flavors and easy to prepare, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll become a staple in your meal rotation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces medium pasta shells
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small sweet onion (diced)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 (15oz can) marinara sauce
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
Preparation
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta shells in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté diced onion for 2 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Build the Sauce: Whisk in flour until lightly browned. Gradually add beef stock, stirring to combine. Incorporate marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, dried parsley, oregano, and smoked paprika.
- Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 6-8 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine and Finish: Stir in cooked pasta and browned beef. Add heavy cream and simmer for 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in sour cream, then fold in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
- Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this creamy, flavorful masterpiece!
